There are few certainties in life, but if you’re a homeowner, you can expect home improvement projects to crop up from time to time. These can be planned upgrades or the kind that show up unexpectedly as a result of a leaky roof, mold growth or other can’t-wait tasks.
According to the latest American Housing Survey, homeowners completed 115 million projects from 2017 to 2019. That amounts to an average of more than $27,000 per project.
The most popular home improvements include sparkling bathroom overhauls and kitchen renovations. But these pricier projects don’t necessarily provide the best return on investment when it comes to increased home value.
Projects that make homes more energy efficient are also smart choices. Installing a smart thermostat and replacing old windows, for example, can help lower utility bills.
Other common upgrades include putting a fresh coat of paint on the exterior and interior. Even something as simple as changing out the knobs, pulls and handles on cabinets and drawers can give rooms a fresh new look.
When it comes to hiring contractors for home improvement work, be sure to check references and a company’s license and insurance before hiring. And if possible, use a home improvement aggregator that offers multiple service providers and acts as a third-party broker. This can simplify scheduling, billing and payment for the work. Many aggregators also can save money on materials and labor because they negotiate discounts with service providers.